Higher PV Module Efficiency by a Novel CBS Bypass

There is an increasing focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency for photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules as well as finding a more efficient approach to the product manufacturing. This letter introduces an innovative solution to bypass shaded PV cells instead of a traditional Schottky diode, in order to avoid overheating of cells in the case of partial shading. The goal is to reduce the power dissipation and improve the general efficiency of a PV generator. A novel device called cool bypass switch is then presented. It is made up of a Power MOS driven by a controller with the task to charge a storage capacitor. Tests and comparisons with standard Schottky diodes are then performed an…